Chargers Videos

You wonder what Chargers owner Dean Spanos was thinking on Sunday as he watched his team knock off the favored Steelers in Pittsburgh, 34-24, in a performance that was more dominating than the final score.

Norv Turner outcoached Mike Tomlin. A.J. Smith's young defenders, directed by John Pagano and supported by several veterans, took the play to Pittsburgh from the start.

The Chargers were inspired and well-prepared. Are both Turner and Smith certain to be fired after the season, as reported by U-T San Diego three days ago?

Spanos would be the one to make the decision.

It was over when: Eric Weddle, rewarding Turner's gutsy call, ran around left end with a fake punt to give the Chargers a first down at the end of the third quarter. At the time, the Chargers were at their 27 and led 27-10.

What it means: The Chargers (5-8) have their most impressive victory since the 20-point win over the Ravens last season. The Steelers (7-6) took a hit in the wild-card race, although they stayed ahead of the Bengals (7-6) because of the tiebreaker.

The Chargers had been 0-14 at Pittsburgh in the regular season.

Game balls go to: Chargers offensive linemen and Pagano.

With backups at both tackle spots and left guard, the line gave good, consistent protection to Philip Rivers, who threw two touchdown passes to Danario Alexander and another to Malcom Floyd.

Stat of the game: The Steelers crossed midfield only once in the first half.

Second guessing: If you believe Smith and Turner should be retained, the sharp spirited performance against the Steelers adds to your evidence.

National pundits have been saying the Chargers have quit on Turner. They've been dead wrong on that score. The Bolts, led by veterans such as Takeo Spikes, Rivers and Randy McMichael, have shown good effort all season. Untimely mistakes and talent holes were the culprits.

Unsung hero: Micheal Spurlock, getting open with quick moves to the sidelines, gave the Chargers the slot-receiver production they've lacked all year. He routinely converted on second- and third-and 10.

Norv being Norv: Turner, discussing his job status with CBS broadcasters Jim Nantz and Phil Simms leading up to the game, said "we all know in the end what the final outcome will be."

According to Nantz, Turner said he was disappointed that word of his upcoming dismissal was leaked out of Chargers Park. (In the published story, there was no mention of from where the information came.)

Alexander cannot be stopped: Alexander, getting open over the middle and on sideline routes. had another strong game. Signed off the street this season, he has made big plays in every game he's played. The Steelers, who were without their lead cornerback, Ike Taylor, brought in the NFL's top-ranked pass defense.

Fellow upset winners: Ron Rivera's Carolina Panthers (4-9) will be in San Diego next Sunday. Led by Cam Newton, they upset the Falcons 30-20 on Sunday.